This Saturday, the spotlight will shine on the highly anticipated co-main event of UFC Fight Night 247 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, where Gerald Meerschaert faces off against Reinier de Ridder. This matchup is expected to capture the attention of MMA fans, not only for its competitive nature but also for the contrasting styles of the fighters involved. As both athletes are proficient in grappling, the intricacies of their ground games will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this encounter.
Gerald Meerschaert (37-17 MMA, 12-9 UFC) enters this fight with extensive experience in the Octagon, having established himself as a formidable submission specialist. Holding the record for the most submission wins in the history of the UFC’s middleweight division, Meerschaert is well-acquainted with the challenges that come with facing newcomers. In his recent outings, he has demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly through back-to-back submission victories against seasoned fighters like Bryan Barberena and Edmen Shahbazyan. This form positions Meerschaert favorably as he aims to extend his winning streak to three, tying his personal best within the UFC.
Conversely, Reinier de Ridder (17-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a former champion in ONE Championship with titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, brings his promising credentials into his UFC debut. Known for his exceptional grappling, he transitioned from judo to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, giving him a well-rounded skill set that has seen him finish multiple opponents. His recent victory is a testament to his abilities, but the pressures of the UFC and the caliber of opponents present an entirely different landscape.
Analyzing their striking capabilities reveals an intriguing clash. While both fighters possess solid grappling expertise, the fight will likely come down to their stand-up skills and how each can impose their game plan. Meerschaert, although recognized primarily for his grappling, shows flashes of competent striking, potentially outpacing the submission-savvy De Ridder in stand-up exchanges. Despite having struggled somewhat against southpaws—holding a 2-4 record—Meerschaert’s striking adaptability might give him an edge if the fight remains standing.
On the other hand, if De Ridder can execute takedowns effectively and control the grappling exchanges, he could swing the momentum in his favor. The ability to engage in scrambles will be crucial, as both fighters will look to exploit their ground game.
Given the circumstances and their recent forms, predictions lean towards Meerschaert as he faces a debuting opponent with potential. The odds reflect this perception, with De Ridder being favored, yet in such a matchup, the experience and skill of Meerschaert could shine through. As the fighters prepare to make their way to the cage at approximately 8:35 p.m. ET, fans can expect an encounter rich in grappling techniques and strategic maneuvering.
Ultimately, while De Ridder may bring with him the allure of being a rising star, Meerschaert’s proven track record suggests he will extend a warm but challenging welcome to the newcomer. Hence, the expectation leans towards a unanimous decision victory for Gerald Meerschaert, establishing a robust presence against future contenders in UFC’s dynamic middleweight division.